Tuesday, August 26, 2008

IDs, and passwords, and phishing, oh, my!

Yep, it's the beginning of the semester, and time for the annual password post!

Not much has changed from last year. We still have 2 ID's: username (lastname-first initial-number, such as hedreenr1) and ID number (70XXXXXX). Your username is used for MySCSU and the campus network log on. The ID number is used for BannerWeb and the Library. Each application has it's own password, meaning that each ID has 2 passwords associated with it.

MySCSU: Username and 8+ character password using letters, numbers, "special characters", and/or capitalization. Passwords expire every 90 days. This username/password combination is also used for the Vista elearning system (Blackboard Vista). Password Reset Instructions (faculty and online students, call the helpdesk)Network log on: Username and 8+ character password using letters, numbers, "special characters", and/or capitalization. Passwords expire every 90 days. Password ResetBannerWeb: ID number and 6 character password (I think the Banner upgrade this summer now allows more than 6 characters.) Passwords were expiring every semester, but I didn't notice it this time. The Banner password reset form is gone from the helpdesk website, so call the helpdesk.Library: ID number and 4+ character password, usually refered to as the Library PIN, using only number and/or letters, no "special characters". Passwords/PINs do not expire. Call or visit the Circulation Desk to delete forgotten PINs. Morehelp.I was wondering if something like this image would help?

And finally, we got some obnoxious phishing emails this summer--remember that IT will NEVER ask you for your ID's and/or passwords via email. If you get such an email, discard it immediately. If you are uncertain, contact the Helpdesk directly (NOT via any link in the email--go to http://helpdesk.southernct.edu/ ) and ask if there is a problem. They might ask you to forward the email to them.